smith



W. P. X, SMITH.

Hand-Stamps. N0,l48,856, Patented March 24,1874.

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WILLIAM r. X. sMIrH, vor :anw YORK, N., Y., AssIGNOn To ALONZO n.

sIMONDs ANI) WILLIAM r. X. SMITH, or sAMn PLACE.

IMPROVEMENT EN HAND-STAMPS,

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. l, dated March 24, 1874; application led January 7, 1874.

.To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM I. X. SMITH, of New York city, in the county and State of New York, have invented certain Improvements relating to Hand-Stamps, of which the following is a specifica-tion:

I so combine a printing-die, or equivalent box, which contains the printing-types, with elevating-springs, and a guiding and supporting case and cover, that the cover of the case forms a broad and suitablesurface, on which to press or strike with the hand in effecting an impression. The die acts by being protruded through a suitable aperture in the bottom of the case or box being withdrawn again by the springs when the force of the hand is removed. The inking may be effected either by removing the die after each operation, or by lifting the case and applying the ink by any suitable pad or roller. The following is a description of what I consider the best means of carrying out the invention. The accompanying drawings form a part of this specification.

Figure l is a longitudinal section with the cover shut down; the inelosed ink-bottles are shown in elevation. Fig. 2 is a plan view with the cover raised. Fig. 3 is a cross-section.

Similar letters of reference indicate like parts in all the figures.

The main box or case A is formed with a stop-partition, A2, parallel to the front piece A1, and with guiding projections A3 A3, all oit which are more or less useful in guiding the die or type-box B, which is formed with slides B1, adapted to embrace the guide-pieces A3, while the walls or vertical partitionsA1 A2 serve to guide by their contact with the ilat faces of the die B. rIhe die contains types b, held by the aid of a screw, b. I make the die-box B of such depth as to accommodate type, D, of the full length usually employed by printers. The top ofthe die B is formed with a central stud, B2, which matches loosely into a corresponding recess in the cross-piece Dl in the cover D. The hinge C connects the cover D to the case A at the back edge'I Cord or tape is attached to the cover D, and to the box A on the inside, of such length' as to support the cover when thrown back. Two springs of steel or hard brass, m m, are screwed or otherwise secured in the bottom of the box A, so as to act upward under the die B at each end, and with nearly equal force. The material of the bottom of the case A is cut away not only in the vertical path of the die B, but also under each end of the partition A2, so as to allow these springs to yield downward to the proper extent. These springs lift and hold up the die and its contained type b, except when they are pressed down by some superior force. lVhen the cover D is thrown back, the contents of the box are exposed, and may be changed or manipulated, as may be necessary.

Then it is desired to produce an impression with the die, the cover D is thrown forward upon the dic B, and is pressed or struck on its upper surface with the hand of the operator. The central stud B2 receives the force thus applied to the cover D. However one sided or irregular maybe the blow, it produces a uniform impression with the face of the type. Gare must be taken, when there is only a small surface of type, to space it, so that its resistance shall be central, or nearly central, on the die when the impression is produced.

Two partitions, A4 A, extend longitudinally from the cross-partition A2 to the back of the case. In the center of the space between these Itix a small bottle, G, with a ti ght-fitting cover. This is intended to be lled with common writing-ink, and it may be removed and filled, or exchanged with great facility when the cover D of the ease is raised. v

NVhen it is to be used as an inkstand, the cover D is raised, and the stopper g ofthe bottle is removed; then, on closing the cover D, the case and its contents are ready to serve as an inkstand, by allowing the pen to be dipped in the hole d in the cover D, and thus extended down into the ink-bottle G. The hole d is of such size as to accommodate the stopper or plug g. The space in front and back of the ink bottle G is occupied by two bottles, I and J, which may contain different inks. I propose that one shall contain indelible ink and the other printing-ink.

The space each side of the row of ink-bottlesv and their inclosing partitions may be used for pads and other appliances in connection with the use of the device for a handstamp, or inkstzmd, or both.

One importa-nt requisite is a short, stout Screw-driver for liberating and securing the types.

I claim as my inventionl. In combination with an inclosiug-case, forming guides for the die, e die adapted to produce the desired impression7 and one or more springs pressing the die upward, all sub- .siiatially as and for the purposes herein spec- 1 e 2. The hinged cover, adapted to receive the force of the hand and communicate it to the die, in combination with such die, the guidingbox A, and the eleva-ting means, as herein specied.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 24th day of December, 1873, iu the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

W. P. X. SMITH.

Witnesses:

WMC. DEY, ARNOLD HRMANN. 

